Best combination of size, speed & strength to fit in a 3-4 as OLB
Texans could trade back to add value/picks but risky. Vocal leader would bring playmaking, pass rush skills to Texans.

2nd rd. - Phillip Taylor, Baylor NT, 6040 340

Priority need, Wade Phillips finds the most gifted, nose tackle ready run plugger in middle. Fatique will be his issue as he probably can only maintain two downs a stretch, but Texans are not afraid to use Mitchell or smaller DT in pass rushing situations. Plays with mean streak.

3rd rd. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia CB, 6020 200

First round talent who returned to school for his senior season but suffered a fractured ankle, hence the extraordinary value this late in the draft. Texans can afford to bring him back slowly from injury then start using him in nickle & special teams.

4th rd. - Akeem Dent, Georgia ILB, 6010 240

Teammate of Houston, very productive, instinctive fit for a 3-4 inside LB. Second in the SEC with 122 tackles, including 6.5 for loss. Would complete total makeover of the Texans LB group, bringing immediate impact, adding depth while DeMeco comes around to form.

5th. rd. - Brandon Bair, Oregon 3-4 DE, 6070 275

Developmental 3-4 DE but has frame to fill out, solid technique, high character family man, one of the most underrated DL in draft who projects to fit as a run stopper DE in a 3-4. Could wind up being the perfect complimet to Mario on the left side.

6th. rd. - Jah Reid, UCF RT, 6080 325

Another developmental pick. With Butler possibly on the move Texans do not have great depth here. One of the most impressive prospects playing in the East West Shrine game, talent just oozes looks like he could swing to LT if coached up, plus room to add more bulk & strength.

7th. rd. - Nathan Enderle, Idaho QB, 6050 242

Good NFL size, displays decent accuracy with soft touch, very Schaubesqe. Foot speed a little slow, not very mobile sometimes late in decision making but hey they're has to be reasons why he's still on the board in the 7th rd. Anybody thrilled with Dan Orlovsky going into his contract year with Texans?

I like Houston's size and his first step . It will be interesting to see if he gets a 4.7 . Taylor , Ellis are the big guys in the middle but Marvin Austin sure threw his hat in the ring at 312 and 6'2 . The FS is a big need and you picked up a QB to groom along the way .

That's not going to happen. The Texans signed as many qualifying free agents (Wade Smith, Rackers) as they lost (Dunta, Grossman - maybe). The best they can hope for is a 7th round pick based on the net value lost.

That's not going to happen. The Texans signed as many qualifying free agents (Wade Smith, Rackers) as they lost (Dunta, Grossman - maybe). The best they can hope for is a 7th round pick based on the net value lost.

The other issue is starting vs not starting. They got two starters: Wade Smith and Neil Rackers and lost two starters: DR and Chester Pitts.

Pitts isn't going to qualify because he signed too late, did not extend a qualifying offer, and/or he was cut from his original contract prior to the start of the season and re-signed later. Grossman could count if he had incentives that boosted his minimum salary. Else, the Texans will get squat in compensatory selections.

This was discussed back in May. beerlover had a difficult time grasping this back then, as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky

If the Texans have a net loss of zero qualified free agents, they are due zero compensatory picks. They should, however, qualify for a net value compensatory pick, which falls in the 7th round. But if the Texans have a gain of qualified free agents this offseason, they would receive no compensatory selections, whatsoever.

It boils down the the Texans possibly receiving a 7th round pick. Or a 3rd, if Rackers loses the kicking job. Or zip, if Grossman didn't sign for enough money. No matter how hard it is to imagine.

That's not going to happen. The Texans signed as many qualifying free agents (Wade Smith, Rackers) as they lost (Dunta, Grossman - maybe). The best they can hope for is a 7th round pick based on the net value lost.

you've got to admit, great pick regardless. next question would be then between the two, Jaiquawn Jarrett one of the best FS's in the draft or Ras-I Dowling, CB who when healthy is first round talent?

I love the Justin Houston choice at #1 but I think the Phil Taylor choice is a reach in round #2 at that point in draft it look good on paper. I think that it depends on the what the Texans do in free agency.

1 rd. Justin Houston - OLB - 6'3" 260 - Perfect fit if Von Miller is gone this could be a reach but the film doesn't lie Houston is a beast also keep an eye on cornerback Brandon Harris (UM Hurricanes) he will go up the charts as the draft gets closer.

2 rd. NT - Marvin Austin - North Carolina - 6'3" 315 - Falls in the texans lap just like Sturdivant due to charecter issues and missing all of 2010 season. Reminds me of the NT Jay Ratliff in Dallas since Wade stated that we will run the one gap system instead of two gap you someone that can penetrate and hold up against the run and austin is perfect.

Phil Taylor is a rare & coveted commodity in a league converting to more 3-4 defenses needing legit, 6050 340 lb Nose Tackle. Texans cannot afford to make the same mistake second time around using this scheme.

Best combination of size, speed & strength to fit in a 3-4 as OLB
Texans could trade back to add value/picks but risky. Vocal leader would bring playmaking, pass rush skills to Texans.

2nd rd. - Phillip Taylor, Baylor NT, 6040 340

Priority need, Wade Phillips finds the most gifted, nose tackle ready run plugger in middle. Fatique will be his issue as he probably can only maintain two downs a stretch, but Texans are not afraid to use Mitchell or smaller DT in pass rushing situations. Plays with mean streak.

3rd rd. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia CB, 6020 200

First round talent who returned to school for his senior season but suffered a fractured ankle, hence the extraordinary value this late in the draft. Texans can afford to bring him back slowly from injury then start using him in nickle & special teams.

4th rd. - Akeem Dent, Georgia ILB, 6010 240

Teammate of Houston, very productive, instinctive fit for a 3-4 inside LB. Second in the SEC with 122 tackles, including 6.5 for loss. Would complete total makeover of the Texans LB group, bringing immediate impact, adding depth while DeMeco comes around to form.

5th. rd. - Brandon Bair, Oregon 3-4 DE, 6070 275

Developmental 3-4 DE but has frame to fill out, solid technique, high character family man, one of the most underrated DL in draft who projects to fit as a run stopper DE in a 3-4. Could wind up being the perfect complimet to Mario on the left side.

6th. rd. - Jah Reid, UCF RT, 6080 325

Another developmental pick. With Butler possibly on the move Texans do not have great depth here. One of the most impressive prospects playing in the East West Shrine game, talent just oozes looks like he could swing to LT if coached up, plus room to add more bulk & strength.

7th. rd. - Nathan Enderle, Idaho QB, 6050 242

Good NFL size, displays decent accuracy with soft touch, very Schaubesqe. Foot speed a little slow, not very mobile sometimes late in decision making but hey they're has to be reasons why he's still on the board in the 7th rd. Anybody thrilled with Dan Orlovsky going into his contract year with Texans?

2) I like the idea of a big NT here. I am more familiar with Ellis, but due to his character concerns Taylor is a more likely pick.

3) Not wild about Dowling, however. I wish I saw your other 3rd (Jarrett perhaps?), because Dowling is a player without a position. In my opinion, he is not flexible/agile enough for CB, and not physical enough for FS. I would prefer a FS like Jarrett or Williams instead.

4) I like it. He and Houston would have instant chemistry, and bolster the LB corp for years.

5) Solid pick. Wont do much in the way of rushing the passer, and needs to pack on some muscle, but in 2-3 years I could see him holding down the spot opposite Mario.

6) Reid is a big, big man. Looked good in the Shrine game, and is worth a pick this late.

7) I like the idea of getting a developmental QB, but hesitate on Enderle. I liked him a lot before the season, but he just does not seem to get it. Still, 7th, worth a look.